Cops Take to Dunkin' Donuts Rooftop for Charity

The University of Maryland police could be found where many cops across the country could be found this weekend – on top of a donut shop.

Yes, on the rooftop.

It was part of a nationwide fundraiser for the Special Olympics, and the in College Park was one of eight participating locations in Maryland. The UMd. Department of Public Safety officers raised $5,450, surpassing their goal by $450.

From 6 a.m. Saturday morning until noon Sunday, three officers from the department camped out on top of Dunkin' Donuts, hollering on bullhorns and encouraging customers to donate. A $5 donation earned customers a free coffee.

Supporters could also purchase raffle tickets for $20 each to win a 2011 Harley-Davidson FLXH Street Glide, football tickets and an assortment of prizes. T-shirts and hats were also on sale.

Sergeant Paige Miller said that police forces on a worldwide level support the Special Olympics. "Law enforcement as a whole raises millions of dollars," she said, adding that it's "basically free" for the athletes to participate.

She said that last year, Maryland raised $3 million for Special Olympics Maryland. This was the first year that the College Park Dunkin' Donuts participated in the Cops on Rooftops event.

As of about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, .

Some athletes and their parents were also on site for the event.

"I can't get him away," said Doris Tucker of her son, 16-year-old Jahi Queen who didn't want to leave the fundraiser.

Queen, though suffering from a dislocated knee Saturday, will be back to compete at the spring Special Olympics, Tucker said. He will likely compete in basketball, soccer, bocce and track and field.

The two live in Upper Marlboro.

Another athlete from Upper Marlboro, Tyrique Ware, 11, was at the College Park Dunkin’ Donuts Saturday afternoon.

"He loves sports," his mom, Sherry Ware said, his favorites at the Games being basketball, track and field and soccer.

She said the Special Olympics is really a skills-development event.

"It teaches them the sport at their own pace," she said.

The Cops on Rooftops event is just the start of law enforcement involvement in the Special Olympics, Miller said. The department would also participate in the Prince George's segment of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in the days leading up to the Games. Officers also volunteer the day of the event.

"Once you are with [the athletes], and you're working with them, you'll see the appreciation in them," Miller said.

The Special Olympics Maryland Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 26 to 28.

Donations are being accepted online.